Africa. Most commonly addressed as though it were one unified nation, Africa indeed is a diverse mix of cultures, languages, religions, conflicts and more. Living over in the relatively stable region of East Africa we have very keenly become aware of the continuing crisis ravaging our neighbors to the west in the DR Congo.
Being confronted with the realities of the atrocities occurring in the country a few weeks ago in Uganda, they now seem to hit even closer to home as just across the lake hundreds of thousands are engaged in a fight for survival. When did this all begin? This is news to me? The conflict in DR Congo has been running in spurts for years. As the '94 genocide in Rwanda came to a close, the last remaining rebels were pushed out of the country and into the Congo stirring up ethnic rivalries a new. Since that time war has been in full swing.
Over the past several years more than one million people have been displaced. In recent days, another 250,000 people have been forced from their homes as violence erupts once more on the Eastern side of the country. As fears of another humanitarian crisis loom, food, water and safety are all of top priority.
Thousands have fled into neighboring Uganda, crossing the border just days after us.
Goma is now the setting for shaky peace deals, momentary security and a humanitarian corridor.
BBC has the best up to date reporting on the situation and more of its history.
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